Free The Reluctant Bride (Regency Undone) by Claire Firth Page B

her household we can perhaps arrange some method for you to meet up with her on a regular basis – maybe when, like today, her husband is away at his club.  It will not change anything for your friend but it would be a way of supporting her if you wish to do that?’ 
    ‘I sensed he was a vicious and evil old man,’ Sophia declared hotly.  ‘And he has at least thirty five years over her.  How could her family do that to her?’
     ‘He has money,’ Ralph said.  ‘And as you are well aware, money speaks louder than words.  It makes your own family seem not quite so awful though, does it not?  At least they chose someone of a similar age to you.  And I have never yet taken to beating my wife – though I may have been sorely tempted at times.’
    This last was said with a twinkle in his eye that belied his words and was designed, she could see, to lift the atmosphere.  It was typical of Ralph she realised, to try and ease a situation to make her feel better.  Ridiculously, Sophia found herself recalling Isabelle’s astonishing suggestion that she might be in love with her husband.  It was nonsense of course but it left her nonetheless feeling uneasy and not inclined to enter into light banter with him. 
    ‘I feel I have a headache coming on,’ she said abruptly.  ‘And this business with Isabelle has upset me.  If it is all the same with you my Lord, I will retire to my room for a while.’
     ‘By all means.’  He escorted her to the door and held it open for her.  ‘May I bring you anything?’
    ‘ No .  That is, it is kind of you to offer … but I feel what I need most is to rest.  I am sure my headache will pass.’
    ‘As am I,’ Ralph remarked enigmatically.  ‘But I will check on you later … and do not worry too much about your friend.  We can keep an eye on the situation and let her know that there is always room here for her should things get too bad.’
     
    She did not go down for tea and when, true to his word he came to check on her and tell her that dinner was being served, she chose to forego that also, requesting instead a tray in her room. She was feeling remarkably out of sorts for some reason and all she knew was that it was because of this dark, enigmatic man who seemed to be invading not only her life, but her thoughts as well.
    ‘As you wish,’ Ralph said in response to her request.  But she was quite sure that he was not fooled by her pretend headache. 
    She had not long retired to her bed when a soft knock on the door made her sit bolt upright.
    ‘How is your headache?’ Ralph asked in concerned tones, crossing the threshold.
    ‘I … it is improving slowly thank you, but still not gone I fear.’
    Ralph tutted as he crossed the room and sank down onto the bed next to her.  ‘It has been several hours now,’ he said solicitously.  ‘Perhaps I should call out the doctor?’
    ‘Oh, no … it is not that bad.  I am sure all I need is a good night’s sleep.’
    ‘Have you ever had a neck massage?  It is a technique I learned when I was out in India several years ago.  It is very good for relieving tension in the neck which is a common cause of headaches you know.’
    ‘Indeed?  No … I can’t say I ever have.  But maybe one day …’
    ‘Turn around,’ Ralph commanded, ‘we can try it now and see if it works.’
    ‘Oh, no Ralph … really, that is not necessary.’
    But already he was gently turning her shoulders and manoeuvring himself so that he was seated behind her on the bed.
    ‘Ssh …’ he whispered in her ear, his hands moving up to encircle her neck.  She could smell the warm aroma of brandy on him.  It was not an unpleasant smell and she found herself breathing it in.
    ‘First of all, I gently stroke like this,’ he murmured, his thumbs starting to apply light pressure in a circular massaging motion to the little hollow at the back of her neck.  ‘You need to relax.  Forget that it is me and just let my fingers ease the